Symptoms of the Flu

Nobody likes to get
the flu. The flu’s common symptoms of fever, body aches, and fatigue can leave
many confined to bed rest until symptoms subside. Flu symptoms will show up
anywhere from one to four days after infection. They often appear suddenly and
can be quite severe. Luckily, symptoms generally subside within one to two
weeks.

There are two
situations that could cause concern. Talk to your doctor if flu symptoms last
longer than two weeks, or if they disappear and then reappear with worsened
symptoms.

In some
individuals, especially those at high risk, the flu may develop into complications
that are more serious. Lung inflammation (pneumonia) is the most common
flu-related complication. Pneumonia can be life threatening in high-risk
individuals or if left untreated.

Individuals at high risk for flu complications include those:

under 5

who are pregnant

65 and over

People who have weakened immune symptoms due to health conditions or the use of
certain medications are also at a high risk.

Common Flu Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the flu are:

fever
(over 100 F)

chills

fatigue

body
and muscle aches

loss
of appetite

headache

dry
cough

sore
throat

stuffy
nose

While most symptoms
will taper off one to two weeks after onset, a dry cough and general fatigue
can last several more weeks.

Other possible
symptoms of the flu include dizziness, sneezing, and wheezing. Nausea and
vomiting are not common symptoms in adults, but they sometimes occur in
children.

Emergency Flu Symptoms

When to Contact
Your Doctor

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if flu symptoms:

worsen

last more than two weeks

cause you worry or concern

include a painful earache or fever over 103 F

include a severe cough with a large amount of mucus, difficulty
breathing, chest pain, and/or a prolonged fever over 102 F with chills or
sweating (symptoms of pneumonia)

People at high risk for flu complications should also contact
their doctor if they experience any flu symptoms at all. This is especially
true if you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or COPD.

symptoms that disappear and then reappear with a worsened cough
and fever

When to Seek
Emergency Care For Infants and Children

According to the CDC, seek medical care immediately if
your infant or child has any of the following symptoms:

problems breathing (including rapid breathing)

blue tint to skin

not drinking an adequate amount of fluids

difficulty waking up, listlessness

crying that gets worse when the child is picked
up

no tears when crying

flu symptoms that disappear but then reappear
with a fever and a worsened cough

fever with a rash

loss of appetite or an inability to eat

decreased amount of wet diapers

Pneumonia Symptoms

Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. This is especially
true for certain high-risk groups, including people over 65, young children,
and people with already-weakened immune systems. You should visit an emergency
room immediately if you have symptoms of pneumonia, including:

a
severe cough with large amounts of phlegm

difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath

fever
higher than 102 F that persists (especially if accompanied by chills or
sweating)

acute
chest pains

severe
chills or sweating

Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications and even
death. This is especially true in older adults, smokers, and people with
weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is particularly threatening to people with
chronic heart or lung conditions.

Stomach Flu

An illness commonly
known as the “stomach flu” is actually a form of gastroenteritis (GE). GE is an irritation of the stomach lining. The
disease can be caused by any number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria,
and parasites.

Common symptoms
include mild fever, nausea, and diarrhea. The influenza virus doesn’t typically
cause nausea or diarrhea, except sometimes in small children. It’s important to
distinguish between the symptoms of regular flu and the stomach flu so you can
get proper treatment.

Young children are at
higher risk for complications related to untreated GE. These complications can
include severe dehydration and sometimes death.

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